The Christian Martialist is primarily a defender of the faithful (one who in time of crisis puts himself between God's flock and danger). This blog is dedicated to those who voluntarily shoulder this burden.

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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Sheepdog Strategies, 4

What is it that keeps Minnesotans from preparing for blizzards, keeps Floridians from preparing for hurricanes and keeps Californians from preparing for earthquakes? All of them face high likelihood of an interruption of normal services during a natural event.

Some call it procrastination. But I think procrastination is just one form of denial. "The prospect of a life-threatening event that could, in a moment, take away all I've worked and saved for is a scary prospect. If I don't think about it, I won't have to face that fear."

This is little different from the woman who does not want to think about self defense. The prospect of physical -- and especially sexual -- assault is terrifying. Especially if you see yourself as essentially helpless.

One cultural entity -- evangelicalism -- in our society has perpetuated the idea that women are helpless. That fatal and unbiblical idea blossomed with the rise of Romanticism in the 19th Century. It depicted women essentially as weak, not-very-bright ornaments whose twofold purpose was to bear children and to ooh and aah over the accomplishments of the males in their lives.

One of the weaknesses of evangelical churches is that they have unconsciously adopted some of the Romanticists' idea of women into their worldview. One result is that they don't quite know what to do when they encounter strong, intelligent, capable women. Some either suppress or repel these women while others abandon a Biblical stance altogether.

At any rate, I blame Christianized Romanticism in Church and society for the ideas of weakness and helplessness that haunts many women's mindset. And the very men who want to protect them often exacerbate the problem. But that's a topic for another day.

3 comments:

I would like to point out that we haven't had a bad earthquake in CA since the 1994 Northridge quake. However, the recent quake (the biggest since) will be my excuse to try to get something going.

What all supplies do you recommend?

Oh, and about women/femininity. I think I agree with you, but if you don't mind, could you clarify just a bit for me? (It's probably easiest to say I have a "Vision Forum" view of things, for men and women. I have an unchangeably high view of ladies.)

Disclaimer:

The author of this blog does not advocate hate or unprovoked violence against any group. The purpose of this blog is to provide the very best information regarding philosophy, mindset training, and technique for the Christian in the context of defense. Nothing posted here should be construed as promoting or excusing hostile speech or acts toward anyone.

About Me

I'm just an old gravelbellied sheepdog at the feet of the Great Shepherd, and I find theology, Biblical studies and worldview issues fascinating. I am blessed with a godly (& patient) wife and four godly daughters (I would tell you how many grandchildren I have, but the number keeps changing). I sometimes go by the name of MacAvram, and I treasure memories of autumn afternoons at the shooting range with my barber